We want your visit to ExCeL to be as memorable as possible. Make sure you’re prepared for your London 2012 experience by reading the information below – and don’t forget to plan and book your travel in advance.
Get information on visiting ExCel during the Paralympic Games
When to arrive
Arrive early so you have plenty of time to get through airport-style security screening and get to your arena inside ExCeL. Gates will open two hours before the first session of the day, except on 12 August when gates will open 90 minutes before the first session of the day.
ExCeL is made up of five different arenas, each of which will be hosting different sports during the London 2012 Games and will have its own unique spectators zone. Once you've gone through security, please make your way straight to your arena. Walking times vary:
North Arena 1: 5 minutes
South Arena 1: 5 minutes
South Arena 2: 10 minutes
North Arena 2: 15 minutes
South Arena 3: 15 minutes
Your ticket will be checked at the entrance to ExCeL and your arena. Unless your session is the first of the day, you'll only be able to enter the arena once all spectators from the previous session have left.
Collecting tickets from this venue? See the latest London 2012 box office information
Safety and security
When you get to ExCeL, you’ll be asked to go through airport-style security screening. With so much going on and thousands of people arriving at the same time, you should expect to wait.
In general, please try to bring as little as possible with you – it will help you get through security screening more quickly.
One soft-sided bag is allowed per person – for example, a medium-sized handbag or small backpack (maximum 25 litres). The bag should be small enough to fit under your seat or on your lap. There is nowhere to store luggage.
You cannot bring in the following:
- Liquids, aerosols or gels in quantities larger than 100ml. This includes drinks, perfume and other cosmetics and gels
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles larger than 100ml (excluding medication contained in glass bottles)
There are also restrictions on the size and use of some items inside the venue, including:
- Excessive amounts of food
- Large flags, oversized hats and large umbrellas
Find our more about safety and security at the Games
Please check the weather forecast before your event and come prepared – you may have to queue outdoors to enter ExCeL.
Spectator zones
Once you're inside ExCeL, make sure you head straight for your arena and its spectator zone. Here you’ll find a wide range of services and facilities, including plenty of food and drink stands, toilets and baby changing facilities, plus the London 2012 Shop.
Each zone also features an exhibition where you can find out more about the sport you're going to see, its history and the athletes to watch, as well as a large screen showing footage from a previous session, or from other sports around the Games. Make sure you don’t miss out on this unique Olympic experience.
Food and drink
There’s a great variety of food and drink available to buy inside ExCeL, from healthy and filling meals to tasty treats.
Read about our commitment to providing sustainably, locally sourced food
Payment
The only way to pay is by Visa (debit, credit or prepaid card) or cash. One ATM cash machine is available at your venue, and this accepts Visa only.
Recycling
Help us make London 2012 the first zero-waste Games – please recycle while you’re at the Games.
Recycling in venues couldn’t be easier. All food and drink packaging will feature a green, orange or black symbol – so all you have to do is put your packaging in the matching coloured bin.
Lost property
If you lose something during your visit, or find something that doesn’t belong to you, visit an information point on the day or contact the London 2012 Lost and Found Claim Centre
London Pleasure Gardens
During the Olympics, London Pleasure Gardens will play host to big screens showing the Games, delicious food and drink, a beautiful grassy hill and waterside deck chairs to relax on and a wild meadow to walk though. There will be art installations to admire, live music to enjoy, crazy golf, market stalls, fun and games and the Bat & Sword venue; one of the largest sports bars in London featuring table tennis and fencing workshops from The English Table Tennis Association and The British Fencing Association.
Opening times are from 10am until the last event in the Excel Centre finishes. Entry is reserved for Olympic ticket holders and local residents living in London postcodes E6, E13, E14 & E16 with a proof of address. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Any questions?
If you’ve got a question about your visit to ExCeL, ask our virtual agent
On the day, you can visit a London 2012 information point for venue and sports information, transport updates, lost and found services, pushchair and wheelchair storage and more. Our Games Makers are always happy to help.
If you have a ticketing query, please go to the ticket resolution office at the venue or visit the London 2012 Ticketing website
Spectator guides
Download the Boxing spectator guide
Download the Fencing spectator guide
Download the Judo spectator guide
Download the Table Tennis spectator guide
Download the Taekwondo spectator guide
Download the Weightlifting spectator guide
Download the Wrestling spectator guide
